Comparison of Two Computer Implemented Psychophysical Procedures Applied to Real-Ear Attenuation Testing (ANSI S12.6-1984)

摘要

The application of computer technology to acoustical instrumentation has significantly increased the capability and flexibility of modern acoustical laboratories. The need to replace old recording attenuators used in real-ear sound attenuation testing with state of the art instrumentation prompted the combination of a CMOS multiplying D/A converter chip (which can accurately and reliably attenuate an analog signal) and a table-top computer to control the D/A chip. The computer was also used to record the measurement of auditory threshold, perform statistical analysis, and permanently store data. The flexibility of computer technology allowed the choice of psychophysical procedure. Consideration was given to two such procedures, tracking and method of adjustment. This study was undertaken to determine if one of these procedures would produce faster, more accurate results. Keywords: Acoustics; Audiometry; Hearing; Threshold; Psychophysical; Procedure; Auditory acuity.